I see it a lot. Maybe you aren't supposed to pray TO Mary, but the fact of the matter is that a lot of Catholics do. The fact of the matter is that a lot of Catholics think Mary has Divine powers that are equal to or in some cases greater than those of her Son.
Now are they practicing correct Catholic theology? Maybe not, but who among the Catholics is correcting or admonishing them? Did any Catholics on this thread stop and question the statement of Pope Benedict? Has anyone chastised him for suggesting that Catholics pray to Mary?
Frankly since it is the Pope who is asking that everyone pray TO Mary, why should anyone think that is not what Catholics do?
Actually, I totally understand why you’re confused.
When people say “we don’t pray to Mary” they really should be much more clear. We don’t pray to Mary *as a divinity* is more accurate.
We do pray to Mary, and St. Joseph, and St. Francis, and all the saints. Mary is in heaven and how else would you communicate with someone in heaven but by prayer? Ma Bell don’t go there.